Fugro wraps up geohazard survey offshore Suriname

Fugro has completed a geohazard site investigation programme for TotalEnergies off the north-west coast of Paramaribo in Block 58 of the Guyana-Suriname Basin.

The project involved the acquisition and analysis of geophysical data and geotechnical soil samples approximately 150 kilometres offshore in water depths ranging from 60 metres to 2,100 metres.

Fugro carried out the nearly seven-month-long field programme from the Fugro Brasilis using an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) for most of the geophysical data collection and piston and box corers for the seabed soil sampling.

Initial data processing and laboratory testing were performed onboard the vessel in order to streamline project delivery and reduce the carbon footprint.

“This work represents one of Fugro’s largest site characterisation programmes in the region over the past several years. Our history in the region and our shared commitment to safety, sustainability and local content is adding value to the project and helping our client meet their responsible resource development goals for Block 58”, said Brian Hottman, Fugro’s director for the Caribbean and Pacific South America.

According to the Netherlands-based surveyor, the information from the project will be used to characterise site conditions and identify potential geohazards, helping the client to derisk potential development activities.

In July this year, TotalEnergies and APA Corporation encountered oil in the Sapakara South-1 well on Block 58 off the coast of Suriname. It is TotalEnergies’ fifth discovery off Suriname, including previous discoveries at Maka Central, Sapakara West, Kwaskwasi, and Keskesi.

TotalEnergies is the operator of the block, holding a 50% working interest and Apache holding a 50% working interest.